MHP is proud to present its 2026 Legislative Leader Awards to housing champions who have advanced homes people can afford as an issue of statewide importance. These lawmakers have led impactful policies and housing investments, elevated housing in public conversations, and partnered with MHP, advocates, and communities to move meaningful solutions forward. Each of MHP’s awardees has demonstrated a deep commitment to making a difference for Minnesotans.
2026 Awardees:
In a challenging legislative year both politically and fiscally, Senator Port crafted a creative and remarkable housing omnibus with significant investment in housing resources. Throughout her four years as Chair of the Senate Housing and Homeless Prevention Committee, Senator Port has been thoughtful, accessible, and deeply engaging with advocates and lawmakers alike. Among her many accomplishments as a trusted and effective champion for home, she has pushed for meaningful land use and zoning reform, led the way on Housing Infrastructure Bonds, and brought voice to the need for emergency rental assistance in response to Operation Metro Surge. MHP thanks Senator Port for her steadfast leadership on housing policy and funding, for elevating housing as a legislative priority, and for finding creative paths to bipartisan progress.
Senator Boldon’s leadership has helped advance housing as a priority among her Senate colleagues and within communities across Minnesota. From championing issues impacting her district to ensuring that policy and investments equitably support our most vulnerable Minnesota families, she has been an effective leader for housing stability. In addition to her leadership on emergency housing assistance, and long-term solutions like the constitutional amendment for housing, Senator Boldon made significant progress in advancing policies to improve the safety, security, and stability of manufacture home park residents. Her work has made a lasting impact.
Senator Mohamed’s visionary leadership and work to build trusting relationships with constituents, advocates and her colleagues have become a template for advancing successful housing solutions. Her consistent and active advocacy for housing stability, her enthusiasm for people-centered policy outcomes, and her strategic thinking have contributed to her reputation as a committed and influential champion for homes people can afford. MHP thanks Senator Mohamed for her robust work this year to move the constitutional amendment for long-term solutions for housing.
Senator Draheim’s real estate experience, curiosity, and willingness to ask tough questions has long made him an effective Chair and member of the Senate’s housing committees. His advocacy for a stand-alone Senate committee on housing was critical to providing housing issues the attention they deserve at the legislature. Throughout his years of public service, he has brought a solutions-oriented approach to advancing housing conversations across Minnesota. We thank Senator Draheim for his years of service to Minnesota with MHP’s Legislative Leader: Lifetime Achievement Award.
As Co-Chair of the Housing Finance and Policy Committee, Representative Howard has been a consistent and collaborative champion for home, building support for housing among colleagues and leadership. Undeterred by navigating the challenges of fiscal uncertainty and the power-sharing of a divided House of Representatives, housing as the foundation of a stable life has remained core to Representative Howard’s advocacy. He has pushed for meaningful land use and zoning reform, led the way on Housing Infrastructure Bonds, and worked cooperatively across the aisle to advance successful, bipartisan solutions for home. A true partner to advocates and an effective results-driven lawmaker, MHP thanks Representative Howard for his continued leadership for affordable homes and housing stability.
Representative Igo’s enthusiastic embrace of bold ideas and smart solutions for housing has solidified his reputation as an effective champion for home. While consistently focused on the needs of his district, Representative Igo has been adept in identifying policy and funding solutions with statewide impact. From championing workforce housing, to advocating for more homes through the State Housing Tax Credit and Starter Homes Act, to ensuring vulnerable Minnesotans have access to stable homes, Representative Igo worked cooperatively across the aisle and within his caucus to secure significant investments in housing this session. MHP thanks Representative Igo for his partnership and practical approach that generates results.
Representative Kozlowski’s passion for home, and embrace of lived experience leadership, has made them a go-to lawmaker for housing stability results. Through compelling storytelling, fearless advocacy, and an unwavering connection to community, Representative Kozlowski has elevated the real experiences behind Minnesota’s housing challenges and solutions alike. Widely respected for their accessibility and authenticity, they have become a trusted partner to advocates across the state. MHP gives special thanks to Representative Kozlowski for championing emergency rental assistance in response to Operation Metro Surge and bringing voice to the harmful statewide impacts of the federal agents in Minnesota.
